STUDENTS EXAMINE CHOICES AT CAREER DAY

"Everyone knows what I want to do," said Ada, 9. "I want to be the first lady president of the United States."

Kimberly Ehlinger, 10, said she wants to be a lawyer.

"I'm sure that's want I want to do," Kimberly said.

But the two had second thoughts after listening to several presentations during Castle Hill Elementary School's Career Awareness Day last week.

After watching David White, manager of a pizza shop, flip and spin a wad of dough into a pizza, Ada said, "I'm very impressed. Maybe I could be like the pizza maker. I do like to eat pizza."

And after seeing a professional clown known as 'Mamma Clown,' Kimberly said she might like to be a clown.

"I can be a clown on the weekend and a lawyer during the week."

So it went for the 620 students at Castle Hill Elementary School as they explored some of the careers that will be available to them when they grow up.

"You have to expose the kids to career possibilities at an early age," said Betty Jones, chairwoman of the Career Awareness committee and a teacher at Castle Hill Elementary School.

"The philosophy is that a child's growth is enhanced when he becomes aware of the various career opportunities awaiting him when he becomes an adult."

Jones said that at this year's Career Awareness Day there were more than 45 representatives, from area businesses and government agencies, giving presentations.

Among those giving presentations were David Kaminsky, Lauderhill mayor; Mamma Clown, a professional clown who did not want to reveal her name; Zeke Lambert, a Broward County Parks and Recreation representative; Jannie James, a seamstress; and Albert Cacace, a chess expert.

"A lot of kids can't sew," James said. "I wanted to show the students how to sew so they can patch the holes in their pants if they ever have to. I even had some of the young boys sewing."

Mary Ellen Van Pelt, principal of Castle Hill Elementary School, said that exposing the students to the different professions can inspire them to work harder in class.

"They will probably change their minds several times while they are growing up," Van Pelt said. "But, if you give them some direction now, it can give them more incentive to do well in school."

Mamma Clown, who performed magic tricks for the students, said that many people think being a clown is a joke.

"Being funny is serious business," Mamma Clown said. "It takes a long time to learn the things that make people laugh."

Mamma Clown also told the students that "there is a lot of money in clowning. Look at Ronald McDonald and Bozo. They are millionaires."

But for some of the students, money was not the issue.

"I don't think I want to be a clown," said Nikisha Banks, 10. "It's too childish. I like clowns and all, but I don't think I would be good at it. I'd rather be an artist."